Specialist engineers have arrived in the Aberdeenshire village of Pennan after large cracks appeared in a cliff face overlooking it.

Authorities warned locals to pack an overnight bag on Tuesday amid fears they would have to be evacuated following heavy rain.

Aberdeenshire Council said there is potential for a landslide in the picturesque village which could block its only access road.

Residents have been informed that the road may have to be closed if the situation worsens.

Large beams have been attached to the cliff-face in a bid to prevent the cracks from getting any worse.

On Tuesday night a spokesman for the council has stressed that the matter is not related to previous landslides in the area and that no homes are at risk.

In August 2007 Pennan residents were forced to flee their homes after massive mudslides swamped houses.

The village was made famous when it was used as the location for 1983 Burt Lancaster film Local Hero.